2001 Portland Marathon

The gem of Portland

Published

January 1, 2002

Visit Portland, OR and you will quickly discover why the "City of Roses" has been rated the best American city in which to live by Money magazine. First impressions leave visitors seeing green. The green, that is, of trees and parks that dominate Portland’s landscape, including huge chunks of prime downtown real estate. Portland’s parks are as much a part of the quality of life as the ubiquitous coffee houses, book stores, festivals and special events. The event of most interest to runners, the Portland Marathon, takes full advantage of the cities green plan, starting and finishing in a park and passing by no less than 16 along the course.

Given the concerns and fears created by the horrific events of September11th, Portland Marathon Director Les Smith, was concerned about the fallout effect for the marathon’s 30th anniversary held on September 30th. However, the emails and the telephone calls he received during the two weeks before the event indicated that the runners and walkers who had already signed up were definitely coming. Indeed, a record number of entries, nearly 9,000, created Portland’s largest "convention" in view of the fact that over two-thirds of the participants are from elsewhere: 49 states and 21 foreign countries were represented.

Of even more importance, the event came off without a hitch. It was a perfect 54 degrees at the start. U.S. flags were everywhere. Every runner received one, and many ran with them. Neighborhoods played patriotic music. One aid station had a fully dressed Uncle Sam.

Seventy-six-year-old John Keston sang the National Anthem, then joined the race. He finished with a world record time for a 76-year-old at 3:22:59, besting the previous mark by nearly twelve minutes. A dramatic version of "God Bless America" inspired participants as they flowed across the start.

The Portland Marathon’s uniqueness is in its organization. Les Smith and his Event Committee are all volunteers. Charity groups all receive contributions for working aid stations, as monitors, food distributors and other essential tasks. This year over $2,000,000 was raised by these charities.

Community spirit extends all the way to the mayor,Vera Katz, who helped to start the Marathon, the Five-Miler, the Kids’ Run, Special Olympians Run, and the 10K Mayor’s Walk, which begins at mile 20 and serves as a long line of cheerleaders for passing marathoners.

Musically motivated runners were in heaven as they headed onto the course, finding a nearly continuous accompaniment from the 65 groups placed at 38 locations. No matter your musical preference, it was there: from an 18-piece big band to bell ringers, a mariachi group, dozens of rock and roll groups, harpists and stringed instruments, belly dancers and even a Dixieland jazz band that joined the parade of runners. Those more inspired by visual than audio beauty enjoyed 18 cheerleading/rally teams.

The course shows the best of Portland, including the river, waterfront and the backdrop of Cascade mountain range. It takes in Chinatown; four miles along the edge of Forest Park; a crossing of the beautiful St. John’s suspension bridge; and the enthusiastic residential neighborhoods along much of the last eight miles of the course—a downhill eight miles which typically produces a negative split.

At the end, runners feel like family, as the organizers pride themselves in being able to call the names of nearly 96% of those who cross the finish line. In the chutes, happy, tired finishers get their arms filled with awards: a long-sleeved shirt, a Portland rose, a commemorative 30th anniversary medal, a pin, and a Douglas fir seedling to take home and plant in honor of their accomplishment, not to mention food.

Like Portland’s parks, its downtown and stunning surroundings, the Portland Marathon is a gem.